Release The Detained Student Activists And Political Prisoners In Burma

By Zaw Myo Lwin & Des Moines

17 November, 2015
Countercurrents.org

To,

H.E Ambassador Derek Mitchell
US Embassy Rangoon
110 University Ave,
Kamayut Township 11041
Rangoon, Burma
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Dear Ambassador Mitchell,

I am writing on behalf of the detained student activists and political prisoners in Burma, including dear friends of mine. As you must know, their health has deteriorated rapidly. Some of them have been taken to the hospital in critical condition. Could you please help them?

Why must the hunger strikers and their colleagues in prisons continue to suffer? Why must President Thein Sein and his military-controlled government continue to hold them as hostages? Their health and cause can’t wait for the NLD to begin governing. Time is of the essence!

At the root of the problem is Myanmar’s military-drafted 2008 Constitution. Even the newly-elected NLD president and government will be unable to manage or control the military armed forces, police personnel, prisons and judiciary. At the same time, anyone who speaks out on behalf of the hunger strikers endangers their own lives, muffling opposition.

The photos that accompany this letter are of a few of the hunger strikers at the hospital where they were temporarily relieved from continuous torturing and harassment in prison. This, after having been brutally arrested by outlaw gangs of police. This, after being dragged in and out of countless trials that defy the rule of law over the past eight months.

If any one of the hunger strikers dies before the military government hands over power to the NLD, months from now, the country – especially the younger generation, including the country’s future leaders – is bound to erupt in rage and unrest. Now is the time for the government to release the unjustly detained students and political prisoners. Now, before it’s too late!

The students and political prisoners who remain behind bars share a burning vision of a more just, inclusive and peaceful Myanmar. They are civil activists and democracy leaders, assets to the country. They deserve to be heard and, for the country’s sake, need to be freed.

Thank you in advance for supporting their cause, if not also saving their lives.

Sincerely Yours,

Zaw Myo Lwin
Des Moines, Iowa
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